FYI

Here's an FYI for you.

 

I had an order for my labwork from my OB. My frugal hubby called around to compare prices for the hospital lab versus another lab recommended to us by Samaritan Ministries. (our healthshare newsletter) Turns out that even after the hospital's self-pay discount their lab was still more than twice the price of the new lab we found. Unbelievable! And, even if you have insurance, I'm guessing that, depending on your co-pays, you'd still pay less going self-pay, since they have to mark up the price insanely for insured patients. One test we needed was priced at $40 for self-pay and $200 for insured patients.

 

We used www.saveonlabs.com. Thought I'd pass the info along for anyone willing to do some comparison shopping. It was well worth the $140 savings for us! Something tells me if we all started price shopping, we just may see some changes in the medical market.

 

Still, we got there a little late so my bloodwork and glucose test have to wait until tomorrow. It feels good to have a little bit of control with some of our choices, though. :)

Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin (a chemical that allows the body to digest sugar or glucose), or is unable to use the insulin it has (insulin resistance). When this happens, sugar or glucose accumulates in the bloodstream and throughout the body, causing damage to internal organs, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels.

Gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, is a milder form of diabetes. Generally, the blood glucose levels in gestational diabetes are only mildly elevated compared to overt diabetes and do not cause a problem for the mother. These mildly elevated glucose levels can, however, affect the baby. These problems can cause the baby to be oversized, which can lead to delivery problems and an increased need for C-sections. Occasionally stillbirth can occur. The baby can have problems after birth such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and jaundice. Childhood obesity and a predisposition to diabetes can also be a problem for the child.  -taken from the article, Gestational Diabetes by Brette McWhorter Sember

Some things I'm learning:

>Women over the age of 35 are twice as likely to develop GD.

>If you've been diagnosed with GD, you have a 50-60% chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life.

>Once you've received a GD diagnosis, you should be checked annually for Type 2.

>Women who have been diagnosed with GD have also been found to be deficient in Vit. D and Vit. C.

>The CDC reported a 61% increase among all women in the years 1991-2001

>The placenta releases hormones that hinder the action of insulin from the mother's pancreas.

>The insulin resistance in a pregnant mother can result in the need for 3x the amount of insulin normally needed to avoid hyperglycemia.

>The official recommendation from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for requiring insulin is 105 fasting.  There is controversy over whether this number should be lower. There is also controversy over the ill effects of overuse of insulin.

>Requirements for testing fasting numbers (the ones I'm struggling with) vary between caregivers. Some want numbers from 12 hours fasting, others only allow numbers from 8-9 hours fasting. Interesting.

>Standard of treatment is has no definded standard. Because there is much controversy surrounding GD, caregives may vary greatly on their approach to care. While some will want to keep numbers strictly low to protect from macrosomia, others will allow for more flexibility to protect from the unknown risks of overuse of insulin. (personal note: When you are working with 6 different caregivers, be prepared for a rough ride. Sigh.)

>Home monitors have an error range of plus or minus 10 mg/dl. I have seen crazy discrepencies in my own monitoring.  Because of these variations and the potential for misdiagnosis because of them, venous blood tests are often most reliable. (personal note: Remember this when next you want to fuss about the lab work the doc has ordered)

More to be added:


Sources:
Plus Sized Pregnancy - Gestational Diabetes: The Numbers Game
Home Remedy Central: Gestational Diabetes

Monday December 26, 2011

Today's Good Things:
Morning Bible and journaling
Busy morning tidying and getting the house in order with the littles
Shopping this afternoon with my 2 oldest
Coffee tonight with dear friends

Today's Not So Good Things:
Didn't eat carefully, I keep forgetting my snacks when I'm busy
Too hungry at dinner, so overate on portion

Today was a pretty good day. I know I could have done better with my eating choices. But, I feel really great about the accomplishments I made today. I also enjoyed a wonderful bible time this morning, finding strength and motivation to get moving. 

I also had a neat time with my two oldest today. We did some shopping together, but also had some good talks while together.  They are getting older and it's been so interesting to have these heart to hearts as they grow.

I'm trying to get my game plan together for tomorrow. I have 4 loads of laundry waiting to be folded and put away. I'd also like to work on cleaning my desk and clearing out my files. What I really need to do is a big purge in the house, but that is a massive job and I'm not even sure where to start with it.  It's also a job that isn't easily done with the littles, so I need to plan in something I can include them in for the morning. It's getting so cold, I'm not sure about a family walk.  I could possibly plan in some wii time for fun since we are still on break. We are planning our Birthday Party for Jesus tomorrow along with a movie. So, I definitely want to get in some activity early in the day.

So, while I work on getting more activity in my day, I also need to start thinking ahead to how our new schedule is going to work when David starts his new job. It feels like there are so many changes ahead. I really need to be sure I find a way to stay on top of things so I don't get too worn out and give up.

Still need to get in for my blood work for baby, too. That should be done this week sometime.

Saturday December 24, 2011

Today's Good Things:
Lovely morning opening gifts with our family
Made wise choices for dinner, avoiding the unhealthy carbs.
Controlled myself to take one small bite of "petz" which had enough sugar in it to last. ;)
Enjoyed a mid-morning nap

Today's Not So Good Things:
Still not getting my exercise in
House is pretty trashed, but I'm letting it be okay.

I feel pretty good about how my day went today. I did well with my choices at dinner at my il's as well as eating at home. I haven't been keeping up with my snacks as well as I should, but I'm still working to be careful. And, I'm applauding myself for that considering we're smack in the middle of the Season of Indulgence.

I spent my day yesterday an emotional wreck. I felt I had ruined Christmas by not working hard enough to make it special. I know I could have worked harder, but I am so grateful to the Lord for His patience with me.  He is gentle and His burden is light. If only I would truly learn to carry His burden rather than the one I strap on myself.  Today was a precious day with our children and again, with David's family. I believe our most meaningful Christmas Eve we've ever spent with them.  I'm humbled to see the Lord continuing to work and build our lives up and closer to Him. 

Tomorrow we spend our day focusing on your word.  Please help me to press forward with a heart eager to serve and obey.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

So, my OB appointment went fine. I wasn't overly thrilled with the doc, but he didn't chase us away either. ;)  After looking over my numbers for the past week, he decided they weren't high enough to diagnose GD at this point. He wants to go the routine path of taking the 1 hour glucose test, which I will more than likely fail. I have for the last 5 babies.  Then I'll move on to the 3 hour test, which I failed last time, giving me the official GD diagnosis.  I was a little frustrated with this plan, since I sorta figure it's a waste of time and money. But, if that's the information that will help him give us the best care, then I'm going to follow my husband's lead and Go With The Flow.

I figure that these steps are going to buy me some time. Since my numbers weren't alarming him, which was great news to me, then I am going to relax and stop all this fussing.  I can now set aside the testing meter, which helps the pocketbook.  I can enjoy the Christmas season without the rigidity of my meal plan and timing my meals and tests.  I will still work to follow the plan as best I can, but when I don't have to watch the clock or take a test, I can enjoy a special Christmas cookie or nibble a piece of fruit without the worry that it will mess up my numbers. 

I'm also buying time by way of the GD diagnosis. Since my numbers aren't high enough to warrant immediate action, I can go in for the 1 hour test in a week or so.  Wait for those results, and mosey in for the 3 hour at a relaxed pace. Again, if I'm not causing the docs alarm, then I guess I needn't alarm myself either. This way, if I do end up on the insulin (very likely), then at least I won't have to be on it for as long as I originally thought.

So, for now I work on keeping care of myself as best I can.  I work at relaxing about the fears and issues that don't seem to be as disconcerting to the docs as they were to me.  And, most of all, I work at enjoying this precious season with my family.  Including the season of growing a sweet, precious baby that we will get to SEE on January 12th during our ultrasound.  Now, THAT'S something to look forward to. ;)

Saturday December 17, 2011

I'm feeling worn down by this GD stuff. I started tracking my numbers this week and it isn't looking good at all.  My fasting numbers have been high every morning.  My dinner time numbers fluctuate. I hate having to think so hard about what to eat. I dread eating, but I've been hungry. I hate having to stay up late just to eat. It just stinks all over.

I did have a good meeting with the NP at the new OB office. That was a wonderful answer to prayer. I go in on Monday to meet the OB and have my first physical exam.  I'm hopeful it will go well.

I'm pretty sure I'm headed to the GD counselor and likely, insulin.  Something's gotta give because I can't get these numbers to look right.  I also can't get to feeling right either.  I don't want the insulin, but I'm wishing I could find *something* to help me feel better.

Big whine for tonight, I guess. We had a wonderful week filled with great blessings from the Lord. I don't want to be complaining. I guess I'm just focusing too much on myself and my inconveniences instead of the opportunities I have to learn and develop stamina and discipline.  Help me to find that right attitude, Lord.

Tuesday December 13, 2011

Today's Good Things:
Rested A LOT - still deciding if that's really a good thing
Got my new meter and test strips

Today's Not So Good Things:
Didn't follow meal plan well - not eating enough
No exercise
So super tired and draggin' today, no motivation whatsoever


Yesterday was really good. Really good. Today, not so much.  I'm really struggling to eat enough. I'm struggling with feeling good. Even when I eat I feel yucky.  I'm not sure if that means anything.

I got my test strips and meter tonight. Tested after dinner and was a little high. :(  I didn't eat exactly as  should, so I don't know if that has something to do with it. But it was more than a little depressing to see David's number so much lower than mine when I watched him eat so much more food. Blah.

This Friday I have an appt. with an OB office. I'm hopeful, yet nervous about meeting them and wondering how it will all come together. I'm desparate for prayer that it will go well, I will be a blessing, and we will have found an obstetric team that wants to support and help us keep this little one safe in all ways.

Thursday December 8, 2011

Today's Good Things:
CELEBRATING!!! David passed his exam!!!!
Worked on convention planning and accomplished a great deal

Today's Not So Good Things:
Did not follow menu plan
No exercise

This morning we woke to the wonderful news that David passed his 3rd exam for the CPA.  We decided to celebrate with breakfast out for the fam.  I set aside my menu plan and enjoyed a lovely meal. 

After that, I did pretty well following my plan from lunch on.  I was busy at my desk, so no exercise. I did enjoy a nice time at the library story hour with 2 of my girlies and some of the moms I've met there.

All in all, it was a pleasant day and I have no regrets on how we chose to celebrate.

Still no news on the OB front. I'll have to do some phone calling tomorrow, I think.

Wednesday December 7, 2011

Today's Good Things:
Bible/journal time
Followed menu plan
Got some christmas and school shopping done via online
Kept up with schooling
Kids had a fun day with friends this afternoon

Today's Not So Good Things:
Indulged in 3 peanut butter cups that dd made today. sigh. SO hard to resist!!
No exercise
I can't get water down. :(
Fighting heartburn all day. Yuk.

Today was rainy and dreary and so was I.  I spent a lot of time at my computer shopping and making some digital photo books for christmas gifts.  That was semi-productive. It needed to be done, but I was not active at all. Didn't even get a load of wash going or anything.

We're waiting to hear the results of David's exam.  That's a little nervewracking too. 

Feeling tired, as usual. Just hoping I can sleep.

Monday December 5, 2011

Today's Good Things:
Bible time/journaling
Followed my menu
morning and afternoon walk!
stayed on track with schooling

Today's Not So Good Things:
Massive stomach issues hit just after dinner. Yuk.
Didn't get in my evening exercise due to feeling gross

I was so thrilled with how my day was going.  I was doing great with eating, exercise, and more importantly, my attitude was good. We were starting back to school and I was doing well with staying patient and kind while we worked through the kinks.

But my evening was awful. I don't know what happened, but I was feeling so poorly with stomach and bowel issues that I had to just give up and put myself to bed. 

Today is rainy and I'm still feeling poorly. Headache and stomach trouble.  I'm plugging away, but taking it easy.

Oh, my aching head!

The last two days I've been in fierce pain with a tension-type headache at the base of my head/neck.  I remember getting one of these in my last pregnancy, but it didn't last two full days.  I know I'm fighting some kind of bug, because I've also got some lovely sinus pressure and my throat is sore along with swollen lymph nodes.  Just ouch.

I spent the day resting yesterday, hoping it would give me what I needed to get going today. Not so. I'm down for the day today, too. This really stinks.  I haven't been following my eating plan because it just hurts too much to move and *get* the food to eat. Blah.  And, of course, exercise is out. Well, I did get in some walking last night while we were outside caroling. I needed to keep the littles busy during the second run of carols, so I got something in, I guess.  If it wasn't for the tylenol, I wouldn't have made it, that's for sure.

I hope tomorrow brings some relief.  I'm reading that poor posture is the culprit. Likely they are right. I've been using my resting time to work on christmas gifts, which means I'm keeping my neck in a not so good position.  However, it seems to hurt most after I sleep. I woke up with it feeling the worst both mornings and after my nap this afternoon. Makes me wonder a bit about my sleep positioning.  And, we already know my sleep woes. Sigh.

Pray I can find some relief from the pain so I don't miss worship with my family tomorrow.  Pray I can beat this before it gets worse. I have had fluid in my ears for over a week now, so I know my body is fighting and without my mega doses of vit. c, I'm afraid it's losing. :(

Tuesday December 1, 2011

Today's Good Things:
Devotions
Followed menu plan well
Made progress on some schooling issues
Worked at and applied the verses I read this morning
Baby Flutters!!!
Great meeting with homeschool group tonight

Today's Not So Good Things:
No exercise
A lot of sitting at my desk to get schooling and notes prepared for meeting tonight
Choices for protein and grains are limited so I've gone back to eat some bread

I haven't been journaling here, but I have been doing pretty well following my menu plan.  Thanksgiving was hard and I did set aside the portions and even allowed myself dessert.  But, I was able to get back on track fairly well and I've been doing well so far.  I still don't have any test strips, so I'm not sure how my body is processing the sugars, but I'm building good habits, so I'm thankful.

I still need to work at getting in that exercise. I have to just push myself, otherwise I give in to the tiredness and the lagging nausea that threatens throughout the day still. The "fog" has lifted, though. So we made this past week a "work week" and have been busy getting the house and my paperwork in order.  It feels good to have some projects done and a plan developing for school next week. Now that I'm feeling a little better, I'm eager to get our schooling more organized and effective. Tomorrow I'll keep working on that as well as do some reorganizing to move a piece of furniture to our room in prep for baby's clothes and items. It's a little soon for that, but I want to do it now since we are setting aside time to get projects done.

David took his 3rd test this week, so life changes again for a bit.  Not even sure how so right now, but this whole year has felt like a constant state of unknown.  Thankfully, the Lord remains faithful and strong.  A security in the midst of the craziness of our days.

So, the goal for tomorrow is to get in my 15 minutes of moving after each meal.  Now that my sweetie isn't dealing with the pressure of the exam, I may just have a handsome escort on my walks. That's the best motivation right there. :)

The happy news is that I've been feeling baby flutters already. I haven't even heard a heartbeat yet, so this is really exciting. Still waiting on our decision of whether we will move forward with a homebirth or switch over to an OB and hospital birth this time around. That also means I haven't really had much by way of prenatal care right now. It's still early, and so far it appears that baby is doing well. I can't help but be excited that it's all becoming more real, that's for sure!